Mainely Phenology 1/27/18

Producers/Hosts: Hazel Stark and Joe Horn

Frost Cracks

Photos, a complete transcript, references, and more information available at mainelyphenology.wordpress.com

The last week of January—in most years, by now we have seen the January thaw come and go, though these days it tends to linger—freezing and thawing, raining and snowing—a season of two minds. But by now, cold days turn into colder nights. Snow squalls thicken the blanket on the Maine woods. In today’s episode, we will be focusing on the crystal clear deathly cold nights of deep winter in Maine and the gunshot-like explosions the quiet observer can often hear echoing off rocks, trees, and snowy hillside: frost cracks.

Coastal Conversations 1/26/18

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel
Studio Engineer: Amy Browne

Maine coastal and ocean issues: Biotoxins and Red Tide, From Marine Ecology to Public Health

Toxic algal blooms and red tides: what are they, why do they happen, and what species do they impact?
Recent blooms in Maine, including new species and species that have been here for a long time.
Given that humans can get sick from consuming shellfish that have accumulated biotoxins in their tissues, what are the state and the shellfish industry doing to ensure public health?

Guests:
Barry King, Shellfish Biotoxin monitoring program, Maine Department of Marine Resources
Fiona De Koning, co-owner, Acadia Aqua Farms